Entertainment

M. John Harrison wins Booker Prize with post-apocalyptic novel at age 81

Harrison, 81, becomes the oldest Booker winner; chair Mary Beard cited the novel's expert writing and ambition.

Published Nov 10, 2026 · 00:09 UTC5 reports

The short version

UK writer M. John Harrison won the Booker Prize for his novel The End of Everything.[NPR · France 24]
At 81, Harrison became the oldest winner in the prize's history, surpassing Margaret Atwood.[BBC News · France 24]
The award carries a £50,000 prize, and chair Mary Beard said judges valued the novel's expert writing and ambition.[BBC News · France 24]
Booker chief executive Gaby Wood said Harrison is the first winner to emerge from the science fiction world.[NPR · BBC News]

M. John Harrison won the Booker Prize for his novel The End of Everything.[NPR · France 24]
Harrison, at 81, is the oldest winner in the Booker Prize's history, surpassing Margaret Atwood.[BBC News · France 24]
The award comes with a £50,000 prize.[BBC News · France 24]
Chair of the judges Mary Beard said the novel stood out for its expert writing and ambition.[France 24]
Booker Prize chief executive Gaby Wood said Harrison is the first winner to emerge from the science fiction world.[NPR · BBC News]

The science fiction characterization is attributed to Booker's chief executive, and one report says Harrison dislikes such genre labels.[BBC News]

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.